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H 4138

Property tax exemption

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Steven Long

Allows Wellesley to publish legally required notices digitally (print-free) on approved websites, with official approval, while keeping existing timing rules.

Referred to Committee on Ways and Means
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Bill Summary · H 4138

Summary: H.4138 An Act allowing “print-free” digital legal notices for the town of Wellesley

Overview and Purpose

  • Purpose: To authorize the town of Wellesley to satisfy legal notice requirements entirely through digital publications due to the lack of an adequate local print newspaper.
  • Scope: Applies to the town’s elected and appointed boards and officials (e.g., Select Board, School Committee, Planning Board) and any other municipal bodies posting legally required notices.

Key Provisions

  • Section 3 – Means of Legal Notice Publication: Legal notices required by statute, bylaw, or judicial order may be posted through any of the following, if approved:
    • (A) A print newspaper of local or general circulation; or
    • (B) A newspaper’s website;
    • (C) Websites reporting local news and opinion that meet digital publication criteria (per section 13(b) of Chapter 4);
    • (D) A statewide website maintained as a repository for notices; or
    • (E) A townwide website maintained as a repository for notices.
  • Section 2 – Process: Alternative posting methods may be used if approved by a majority vote of the public body or at the discretion of the responsible municipal official.
  • Section 4 – Timing: The act does not change the statutory, bylaw, or judicial timing requirements for publication.
  • Section 5 – Effective Date: The act takes effect upon passage.

How it Would Work in Practice

  • Wellesley could replace or supplement print notices with digital postings on approved platforms, subject to board or official approval.
  • The notice repositories (statewide or townwide) and digital news sites must meet criteria established by the act (and referenced Chapter 4, §13(b)).

Affected Parties

  • Municipal boards and committees in Wellesley (e.g., Select Board, School Committee, Planning Board).
  • Local residents and readers who rely on legal notices for public information.
  • Local media ecosystem (newspapers and digital platforms) that may host notices.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Introduced: May 12, 2025.
  • Hearing: Scheduled for June 10, 2025 (House committee stage).
  • Senate action: Senate concurred May 15, 2025.
  • Committee action: Reported favorably June 14, 2025; referred to House Steering, Policy and Scheduling (July 14, 2025).
  • House action: Read second and ordered to a third reading; placed on Orders of the Day and Rules suspended (July 23, 2025).
  • Status: Read second and ordered to a third reading; awaiting final passage.

Related Information

  • Related bill: HD 4659 (replaces) referenced in the bill materials.

Potential Impact

  • In effect, the town could shift to “print-free” digital notices, potentially increasing accessibility via online platforms, reducing reliance on a local print newspaper, and creating a repository of notices online for public access. Timing requirements would remain governed by existing statutes and regulations.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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